Review - Warlord

Title: Warlord
Author: Elizabeth Vaughan
Publishing Date: 2007
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: A-
Sensuality: Hot

Warlord is the third and final book of The Chronicles of the Warlands Trilogy. This trilogy is about the relationship between Xylara, Queen of the Xians and Kier, Warlord of the Plains and their struggle to combine their two cultures. This trilogy should definitely be read in order and you can read my reviews on the first two books Warprize here and Warsworn here.

In Warlord, Lara is the main focus of the story and since Lara and Kier have already established their relationship, and what a loving, passionate one at that. Here Kier and Lara must separate and the romance takes a backseat. Lara must come to the Heart of the Plains before the council to face a trial to determine whether or not she is worthy as the Warprize. The custom states that Lara is to not have any contact with Kier. She will be courted by other Warlords and be allowed to chose one of them if she so desires. Of course her mind is already set on Kier, so the reader doesn’t have to worry about that.

What really stands out for me in this book is that Lara is such a wonderful heroine. That she is extremely strong as a person. She is so very courageous and brave in her own unique way. No, she can’t wield a weapon as well as the firelander’s can, but she is no less fearsome in her words and actions. I just love how she handles the rudeness of the Warrior Priests.

We see the reappearance of some of the characters from the first book. We also learn a little more about Marcus and his secrets. That was very interesting. This was a beautifully written story. I would have liked to have had Lara and Kier interact together more in this story. Other than that it was a fantastic ending to a great trilogy.

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Review - Warsworn

Title: Warsworn
Author: Elizabeth Vaughan
Publishing Date: April 2006
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Warm

Warsworn is book two of The Chronicles of the Warlands Trilogy. This trilogy is about the relationship between Xylara, Queen of the Xians and Kier, Warlord of the Plains and their struggle to combine their two cultures. Lara and Kier’s cultures are very different and Kier has a vision of learning from Lara’s culture and improving his own.

Warsworn begins with the Firelanders (Kier’s army) returning to the Plains where Kier plans to announce Lara as his chosen mate. This journey is cut short however, when they encounter a town on the way afflicted with the Plague. Lara is a healer and has sworn and oath to help in any way she can to those who are sick and in need. Kier does not want to let her anywhere near the town and fears for her safety. They argue and part ways each upset with the other. This leads to a downward spiral of events that will forever change Lara and Kier’s fate. For now they have much too over come, not only the plague, but rival warriors who challenge Kier’s right to rule.

Let me start off by saying that this book is much heavier than the first one. Kier and Lara have to face what seems like almost insurmountable hardships, and not only that, but their love for one another is on very rocky ground. Truth does not come easily to Lara for fear of how Kier will react and she has to learn the hard way how this will affect their relationship.

The writing is very sharp and Lara and Kier vividly jump off the pages. Although, Lara and Kier are the main focus, the other characters are just as riveting. Marcus, Kier’s right hand man is quite and unusual, yet fascinating man. Lara’s guards, especially Isdra and Epor were an example of a mated Firelander couple. Then there is Gil, Lara’s apprentice who almost steals the show.

Warsworn, without a doubt had very grim overtones, but it was a gripping and compelling tale. The story ends with things unsettled and the future unsure. I can’t wait to read the third and final book of this wonderful tale.

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Review - Warprize

Title: Warprize
Author: Elizabeth Vaughan
Publishing Date: June 2005
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: A-
Sensuality: Warm

Warprize is the first book in a trilogy The Chronicles of the Warlands, spanning the relationship between Lara and Kier. It is told from the first person point of view by Lara, the Daughter of Xy, who is a healer. Her people, the Xyians, are being attacked by the Firelanders or People of the Plains. The Firelanders are aggressive and Lara’s brother, King Xymund strikes a deal with the Warrior of the Plains, Kier. He has agreed to give Lara to Kier as the Warprize in exchange for peace. Lara agrees to the decision for the safety of her people.

This is a fascinating story of love and the challenge of merging two different cultures together for the good of all. The Plain People and the Xyians are worlds apart culturally. Kier wants to learn from Lara and the Xyain culture as a way to improve his own culture. He wants what is best for his people. This is an amazing man and a great leader. He knows his culture is not perfect and wants to improve it as best he can.

Lara and Kier must learn and understand how to overcome their differences. Mistakes are made, but both Lara and Kier are quick to learn from them. And that is one of the reasons why I loved this book so much. There are no petty misunderstandings and there are many opportunities for them to happen. When one of them doesn’t understand something they talked about it until it made sense to them. Despite their many differences Kier always treats Lara with respect. As the Warprize she is treasured above all.

My one little quibble with the book was the abrupt ending of the story. I can’t get into detail without giving away spoilers. There is resolution at the end of the story, but I needed more. I would have liked for a good grovel or something to explain more to me how Lara’s decision affected Kier. At the time I didn’t realize that their story was told over three books. Now that I know that, I am chomping at the bit to get the next book in the trilogy. Hats off to Elizabeth Vaughan because this was a fantastic book. Reel me in, I am hooked!

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